I Am The Swarm

Due to prior negotiations with the mid-ring civilizations, the outer-ring civilizations were positioned a considerable distance from the battlefield. Even at full thrust, it would take them some time to reach their designated positions.

The Confederation forces’ formation changes had no effect on the Swarm. In fact, the tighter formation led to increased losses. However, they had to make way for the outer-ring civilizations to enter the battlefield, so these losses had to be endured.

After several rounds of fire exchanges, the Confederation forces quickly identified the reason for the Swarm’s overwhelming firepower. Previously unseen or rare Swarm units had appeared in their battle formations.

For example, a unit resembling a pufferfish, with a slightly plump body similar in size to the Primordial Bodies, carried over a dozen main cannons on its flat back.

This was a new Swarm unit called the Puffer Cannonfish, a long-range support unit developed by Luo Wen to address specific tactical needs. Its streamlined body, more in line with mechanical principles, gave it greater speed and agility than the Space Octopus.

However, it lacked close-combat capabilities. The two dark energy furnaces inside its body could simultaneously power up to sixteen main cannons at full capacity. Thanks to its compatibility with the fungal carpet template, it could freely choose the number of main cannons to carry. Given its proximity to the base, most carried over ten main cannons.

Their numbers were staggering—500 million in total, accounting for one-eighth of the Swarm’s entire force. This significant proportion left Conradus cursing the Confederations’ intelligence-gathering department.

The intelligence department targeting the Swarm was led by the Ji Race, with contributions from all frontline races, including the Rashudia Race and even the outer-ring civilizations.

With such a setup, there was no possibility of collusion or betrayal. Therefore, the Swarm’s ability to conceal so many new units couldn’t be blamed on the intelligence personnel.